SRINAGAR: Srinagar-born footballer Danish Farooq has signed for Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC from Bengaluru FC, the club said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The club is delighted to announce the arrival of Danish Farooq from Bengaluru FC. He signs a 3.5-year contract which will keep him at the club till 2026,” the Blasters said.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined Bengaluru from Real Kashmir FC in 2021. He played 27 times for the ISL team, scoring four goals and assisting twice.
Various reports have revealed that the Kerala Blasters paid Rs 25 lakhs to acquire Danish’s services. The India international will reportedly earn Rs 90 lakh per year.
“Danish was one of the key targets from the last season when we saw him in the context of Hero ISL. He has that playing style, passion and quality that Kerala Blasters need. I’m happy that we were able to finalise this transfer and reinforce our team at a crucial moment this season,” the Blasters’ Club Director, Karolis Skinkys said.
“I am really excited to join Kerala Blasters. The atmosphere at Kochi is absolutely electric, I can’t wait to wear the famous yellow jersey and give my best for the team,” said Danish.
Danish has come through the ranks of local football in Kashmir Valley. After debuting with a local team, Danish caught the eye of J&K Bank FC and signed for the club’s academy at 13. Soon, he became a pivotal part of Bank’s first team, helping them to 12 league title. He then signed for LoneStar Kashmir FC and played in the 2015-16 I-League 2nd Division season.
Danish joined Real Kashmir FC in 2016 and has since seen a mercurial rise. He made his debut for the India’s senior men’s football team in 2022.
